Vape Laws in 2025: What You Must Learn for Vaping in Dubai

I. Important Summary

Vaping laws in Dubai and the wider UAE are always changing. Since April 2019, selling and using e-cigarettes have become legal. But it's not a free-for-all. Instead, strict rules were put in place. These rules help control the market, ensure products are safe, and protect public health.

Think of it as "legal but highly controlled." This change helped the government oversee products, collect taxes, and set age limits. These things were hard to do when vaping was completely banned. Legalising vaping was a practical step. It helps manage a growing trend and keeps the market safer than illegal alternatives.

II. Understanding Vaping Rules in the UAE

A. How Rules Changed: From Ban to Legal (April 2019)

Before April 2019, selling and using e-cigarettes were banned in all of the UAE, including Dubai. This ban applied to public places. If you broke the rule, you faced penalties. This ban likely led to an uncontrolled black market. In that market, no one could guarantee product quality or safety.

A big change happened in April 2019. The UAE made it legal to sell and use e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and e-liquids. This was a major step. It opened a regulated market. This showed the government saw how vaping was growing around the world. The government chose to control vaping rather than keep it banned. This way, they could better manage health risks and even create economic benefits. This new approach allowed authorities to set strict quality checks, collect taxes, and enforce age limits. These controls were impossible when vaping was illegal.

B. Why Rules Exist: Health, Market Control, and Safety

The main goals of the UAE's vaping rules are clear. They want to offer "safer options for smokers." At the same time, they want to "control the market that was previously unregulated." This shows a balanced view. Vaping can help adult smokers reduce harm. But the rules also strongly prevent new users, especially young people, from starting.

The rules focus on keeping people safe and products good. All vape products must be carefully tested. They need special approvals before they can be sold legally. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) helps create guidelines. These guidelines make sure products are safe and of good quality. This dual aim—helping current smokers while protecting non-smokers—shows how complex rules about nicotine can be.

C. Who Makes the Rules: Key Government Groups

Several government agencies collaborate on vaping regulations in the UAE. Each group has its role. This ensures everything is overseen properly:

• Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT): This is the main group. It makes sure all vape products and e-liquids meet specific standards. MoIAT checks product registration and approval. It acts like a gatekeeper for products entering the market.
• Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP): MOHAP controls the sale, ownership, and use of vape products. They treat them much like regular tobacco products. MOHAP also sets health guidelines and ensures overall product safety.
• Federal Tax Authority (FTA): The FTA is in charge of collecting special taxes on vape products. This shows the economic side of legalising vaping. The government can earn money from sales.
• Dubai Municipality: In Dubai, this local group helps make sure rules are followed. This includes where you can use vapes in public and how shops get their licenses.

This shared work, though it can seem complicated for businesses, creates a full system of rules. It covers vaping from health, trade, and tax points of view.

III. Legal Status and Main Rules

A. Vaping Products Are Legal Now (Devices, E-liquids)

Since April 2019, it's legal to sell and use e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and e-liquids in the UAE. But they must follow all the rules. This was a big change from a total ban to a controlled market. Products must meet specific standards from MoIAT. This ensures only approved items are sold. This acceptance of vaping, with strict oversight, helps the government control, collect money, and reduce harm. It also stops illegal trade.

B. Vaping Products Are Like "Tobacco Products"

Vape products are generally regulated like regular tobacco products in the UAE. Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 is about fighting tobacco. Even though it was written before vaping was common, its rules largely apply to e-cigarettes. This makes enforcing rules simpler. It uses existing laws for public use, advertising, and sales limits. However, it also means vaping products carry the same social view and limits as tobacco. This might affect how people see them or use them to quit smoking.

C. Age Limits for Buying and Using (18 Years Old)

A key rule for vaping in the UAE is the strict age limit. It is illegal to sell or give vape products to anyone under 18 years old. Shops must check IDs to make sure buyers are old enough. This age limit matches the law for tobacco products. While some information might say 21, most recent official sources confirm the legal age is 18. This is important to know for correct compliance.

Enforcing age limits strictly, along with banning ads that target young people, shows a strong focus on public health. The goal is to stop young people from starting to use nicotine, no matter the product. This rule aims to protect younger people from becoming addicted to nicotine.

IV. Vaping in Public and Specific Areas

A. No Vaping Indoors in Public

Vaping and smoking are banned indoors across the UAE, including Dubai. This rule follows Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 for enclosed public areas. Banning vaping in these places helps reduce exposure to vapour. It also stops vaping from becoming too common in social settings. This approach makes enforcement simpler. It treats vaping the same as traditional smoking indoors.

B. Where Vaping is Strictly Not Allowed

Vaping is strictly banned in many public places. This is part of a plan to limit public exposure and keep vaping from becoming a normal sight. Especially in places where many people, or children, gather. These places include:

• Shopping malls
• Restaurants
• Public buildings
• Parks and Beaches
• Places of worship
• Schools and universities
• Hospitals and clinics
• Sports venues
• Public transport like metro, buses, and their stations
• Cinemas and entertainment spots
• In a private car, if a child under 12 years old is inside. (Some sources say under 18, so always check the latest exact rule.)

These widespread bans show the government's focus on public health and safety. Vaping is treated with the same care as traditional smoking. The rule about vaping in cars with children highlights protecting young people from secondhand exposure, even in private settings.

C. Where You Can Vape: Special Smoking Areas

Even with many restrictions, you can vape in designated smoking areas. These areas are usually found in various public places. This includes some outdoor spots and certain airports. Always look for clear signs that show where vaping is allowed. Some fancy hotels, bars, and beach clubs might also allow vaping. Providing these special areas means vaping is legal, but its impact on the environment and society is managed. It creates a controlled space for vapers without bothering non-vapers.

D. Be Mindful of Culture and Be Discreet

Beyond just following the law, it's very important to be sensitive to local culture in Dubai. Always be discreet and respect local customs, even if vaping is technically allowed. Dubai authorities encourage a healthier lifestyle and discourage nicotine use. It's a good idea to ask for permission before vaping in hotels or restaurants. They might have their own stricter rules than general public areas. This goes beyond legal needs. It helps ensure a smooth and respectful experience for everyone in Dubai.

E. Quick Guide: Where You Can and Cannot Vape in Dubai

V. Rules for Travellers and Personal Use

A. Bringing Vapes to Dubai for Yourself

Tourists and travellers can usually bring their own vaping devices and e-liquids into Dubai for personal use. This makes travel easier and recognises that many people vape worldwide. You must be over 18 years old to bring these products. There are limits on how much you can bring. It's best not to bring more than a three-month supply of e-liquid. Also, bring a "reasonable amount" of devices and liquid. It's a good idea to tell customs about these items to avoid any legal problems, though it's not always required for personal use. This rule prevents people from selling products illegally while still allowing tourists convenience.

B. Airline Rules: Carry-on vs. Checked Bags

Airlines have their own rules, based on international safety for batteries and fire risks. Vaping devices with batteries, like e-cigarettes or e-pipes, must go in your hand luggage (carry-on). They are strictly banned in checked bags. This is mainly because of safety worries about lithium-ion batteries. Batteries must be protected individually. This stops them from accidentally turning on or short-circuiting.

E-liquids follow normal airline liquid rules. This usually means containers no bigger than 100ml in your carry-on bag. Also, devices must be turned off and never charged during flights. For example, Emirates Airlines has a strict no-vaping policy. You cannot use or charge devices on any of their flights. These rules are important to follow for a smooth and safe flight, no matter Dubai's specific laws.

C. Vaping on Public Transport (Metro, Buses, Trams) and at Airports

Dubai's rules have a full ban on vaping in busy, enclosed public spaces. This focuses on public comfort and safety.

• Public Transport: Vaping is strictly banned on all public transport. This includes the metro, buses, trams, and their stations. Breaking this rule can lead to fines. This policy reduces exposure to secondhand vapour. It also prevents discomfort for other passengers and lowers fire risks in small spaces.
• Airports: You can bring your vapes to UAE airports. But you cannot use them inside the airport buildings. However, there are special smoking areas at UAE airports where vaping is allowed. This gives vapers a place to use their devices without affecting others in the main airport areas.

VI. Rules for Businesses: Selling, Giving Out, and Product Quality

A. Who Can Sell Vapes: Licenses Needed (Shops, Online)

The UAE government tightly controls who can sell vaping products. You need special licenses. Only licensed pharmacies and specific vaping shops can sell vape products and e-liquids with nicotine. Any business wanting to sell vape products in the UAE, whether in a physical shop or online, must have a specific license.

Businesses first need to choose their legal setup. For example, a Mainland Company or a Free Zone Company. Then, they must get an E-cigarette Trading License from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant Free Zone authority. To get this license, businesses need a suitable name, a detailed plan, and must register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. For physical shops, they must follow building and health rules. Online vape stores also need an e-commerce license and must follow UAE internet laws. This strict process makes it harder for illegal products to enter the market. It also helps collect taxes and ensures quality. This protects customers and the market.

B. MoIAT (ECAS) Approval and Product Registration

All vape products and e-liquids sold in the UAE must meet specific standards from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), formerly ESMA. Companies need MoIAT Certification. This confirms their products are safe to sell and don't harm consumer health.

The approval process involves testing product samples. It ensures they meet UAE standards, like UAE Standard 19204. An important first step is registering with the Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS). All regulated products need an ECAS certificate. This is for customs clearance and sales approval. Recently, the registration process changed. Now, each different product item (SKU) with a barcode needs its separate application. This is true even for different packaging of the same flavour and nicotine strength. This required MoIAT/ECAS approval is very important. It ensures only safe and high-quality products enter the market. This focus on product safety is a main part of the UAE's vaping rules. It aims to close any loopholes for bad products.

C. Product Standards: E-liquid, Devices, Packaging, Labels

The UAE has very detailed rules for vape products. This shows a careful approach to control quality, lower health risks, and stop misleading advertising, especially for young people.

• E-liquid Ingredients and Purity:

The highest nicotine level allowed is 20 mg/ml. Only food-grade additives are permitted. Specific solvents like food-grade glycerol and propylene glycol are allowed. They must be at least 99.5% pure. Nicotine and solvents in e-liquids must be very pure.

Banned Ingredients: Many substances are banned to lower health risks. These include vitamins or additives that claim health benefits, caffeine, harmful chemicals (like formaldehyde, diacetyl), and heavy metals.

• Device and Battery Requirements:

Devices must meet safety standards for electrical items. They must also follow rules about dangerous substances in electronics. E-liquid tanks can hold a maximum of 10 ml. Refill packages can be no bigger than 50 ml.

• Packaging and Labelling Rules:

Packaging must be child-safe, leak-proof, and hard to break. Health warnings in Arabic and English are a must. They must cover at least half of the front and back of the package. Specific warning messages are required. Packages must show the product name, brand name, dates, batch number, ingredients, country of origin, and a warning against selling to minors.

What's Banned on Packaging: No printed vouchers, discounts, or "buy one get one free" offers. No misleading claims (like "low tar" or "light"). No references to social status, elegance, or weight loss. Packaging must not look like food or cosmetic products. A manual, in Arabic or English, must be included. It should explain how to use and store the device, its parts, possible side effects, and warnings about addiction.

This tight control over product makeup, device details, and packaging design protects consumers. It also helps with broader public health goals, stopping misleading ads, especially to young people.

D. No Certain Flavours (Mostly)

While some other countries ban all vape flavours, the UAE mainly stops flavours that might attract young people. It also ensures ingredients are safe. They limit how candy or fruit flavours can be described in ads for kids. Flavours used must also be approved for food. One source mentioned that Dubai Municipality banned e-liquids with nicotine and tobacco flavours. This sounds confusing, as nicotine liquids are generally regulated. This specific point might be old or incorrect and needs checking with the official Dubai Municipality or MoIAT rules.

E. No Advertising, Promotion, or Sponsorship

Advertising, promoting, or sponsoring tobacco products, which include vapes, is strictly banned in the UAE. This ban covers direct and indirect ads through print, video, social media, and other digital channels. It also bans free samples, special discounts, and sponsorship events. Any vape product ads that are allowed (e.g., inside licensed stores) must show required health warnings. Also, shops cannot openly display vape products. This big ad ban, like for regular tobacco, clearly aims to limit exposure and stop vaping from becoming popular. This rule helps reduce overall nicotine use, even though sales are legal.

F. Main Product Standards and Banned Ingredients

VII. Taxes on Vaping Products

A. 100% Tax on Devices and Liquids

The UAE government has added a special tax on vaping products. This helps collect money and also discourages people from using them. This tax started in December 2019. It's a 100% tax on electronic smoking devices and tools. It's also 100% on the liquids used in them, whether they have nicotine or not. If a product has added sugar or other sweeteners, it gets a 50% tax. This tax covers e-cigarettes, e-shisha, heated tobacco devices, and all their parts, like liquids, powders, and extracts. The tax is calculated on the retail price or the import cost, whichever is higher. A 100% tax, like on regular tobacco, makes these products much more expensive. This supports public health goals by using price to reduce use.

B. How Businesses Pay and Follow Rules

Businesses that import, make, or sell vape products must pay this tax upfront. They need to make sure their prices include this tax. This helps them avoid losing money or making mistakes in their tax filings. To follow the rules, businesses must check the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) guidelines. They need to correctly calculate import costs (including shipping, customs, and insurance). They must also apply the 100% excise tax rate correctly. Businesses must declare the total amount of taxed goods, the tax rate, and the total tax owed to the FTA for each period. Keeping tax records, like invoices, payment receipts, import papers, and warehouse reports, is vital. This shows they are following the rules. These detailed tax rules show the government's smart way to control money in the vaping market. It ensures good revenue collection and punishes those who don't follow the rules.

VIII. Penalties for Breaking Vaping Laws

The UAE has strict penalties for breaking vaping laws. These penalties aim to stop violations and protect public health and safety.

A. Fines for Vaping in Banned Areas

If you vape in a public area where it's not allowed, like malls, restaurants, beaches, or public transport, you face big fines. For example, vaping inside shopping malls leads to a fine of AED 2,000 (about $545). For other violations of Federal Law No. 15, you could get an immediate fine of AED 500. If you don't resolve it, or for repeat offences, it could go to criminal court. There, fines can range from AED 3,000 to AED 10,000. These clear and large fines act as a strong warning. They show that even though vaping is legal, using it in public is very restricted and has serious money consequences.

B. Penalties for Businesses Breaking Rules

Businesses face even heavier penalties for not following the rules. This is because their violations can have a bigger effect on public health and the economy.

• Selling to Minors: If a business illegally sells or gives vape products to anyone under 18, they faces serious penalties. These include large fines and possibly losing their business license. Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 states a jail term of at least one year and a fine from AED 100,000 to AED 1,000,000 for selling to minors.
• Products Not Following Rules: Bringing in vape products that don't meet MOHAP and MoIAT guidelines is strictly banned. Breaking these rules can lead to jail time and/or large fines.
• Advertising Violations: If a business breaks advertising rules, like advertising on social media or making false claims, it can be fined. Their business could be shut down for up to six months. Senior management could even face jail time.
• Not Registering for Excise Tax: Businesses that don't register for excise tax can get fines up to AED 20,000.
• Hiding Taxed Goods: If a business tries to report fewer excise goods to pay less tax, it can face big fines and back taxes when caught by the FTA.
• These tough penalties show the government doesn't tolerate illegal trade, unsafe products, or actions that harm public health or control.

C. Serious Crimes: Jail, Taking Goods, Business Closure, Deportation

For very serious offences, the legal outcomes can be severe. Penalties might include jail time of at least one year. For repeat offences, it could be two years. Fines can go up to AED 1,000,000. If found guilty, a court might also order to take away seized items and promotional goods. They might also close the business. For non-residents, serious law-breaking could lead to deportation. Jail time and deportation as possible penalties highlight how seriously the UAE treats violations of its public health and business rules. This acts as a strong deterrent for both people and businesses.

D. Summary: Common Violations and What Happens

IX. What's Next: Future and Updates

A. Rules Are Always Changing

Vaping rules in the UAE are not fixed; they are always changing. As vaping technology gets better, UAE authorities keep updating rules. This helps keep people safe and also meets user needs. This active approach means the government is always adjusting. They react to new products, health research, and global best practices. For example, a new regional standard for e-liquids and devices is ready. It might bring more changes to health warnings, packaging, device rules, and allowed flavours. Also, a new Ministerial Decision in 2025 has already updated excise tax rules for electronic smoking devices. This means everyone involved, from individual users to big businesses, must stay alert for legal changes.

B. Why Staying Informed Is Key

Since these rules can change often, it's very important to stay updated. Check local rules in different emirates and always look at official UAE government sources. This need for constant checking highlights how complex it is to deal with fast-changing rules. For both people and businesses, actively finding current information is crucial. Old information could easily lead to accidentally breaking the law and facing big penalties.

X.. Final Thoughts

Vaping laws in Dubai and across the UAE are clear and strict, yet flexible. They carefully balance legalising the market with tight controls on how you use, sell, and what standards products must meet. The shift from a total ban to a regulated market in April 2019 was a smart move. It helped control an illegal trade. This allowed for strong health oversight, quality checks, and revenue collection.

For individuals, you can generally bring vapes into Dubai for yourself. But you must strictly follow the rules against using them in enclosed public spaces, on public transport, and in most outdoor areas. Airline rules for carrying devices and liquids are also very important for travellers. Being discreet and respecting local customs is essential for a smooth experience.

For businesses, the market is promising but highly regulated. You need full licenses, mandatory MoIAT (ECAS) approval, and must follow very detailed product standards for e-liquids, devices, packaging, and labelling. These are not optional. The widespread ban on advertising and promotion clearly shows the government's aim to discourage use and stop vaping from becoming common, especially among young people. Also, the 100% excise tax on vaping products supports both public health goals and financial control.

Breaking these laws leads to serious consequences. These range from big fines for public use to harsh penalties like jail, confiscation of goods, and business closure for commercial violations or serious crimes. For visitors, deportation is a possible outcome for serious legal breaches.

The UAE's approach makes it a market with strong regulatory oversight. The goal is to protect public health and control economic activity in the vaping sector. Rules will keep changing as technology and health research advance. So, staying updated with official government information is crucial for everyone involved with vaping products in Dubai.